Air Fryer Lasagna: Perfect Timing For A Tasty Dish

Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but it can be time-consuming to make. Air fryers offer a modern twist on this traditional dish, reducing cooking time and creating a crispy top layer while preserving the classic flavors. The air fryer lasagna recipe typically involves browning meat, creating a cheese filling, layering the ingredients, and cooking in the air fryer for about 30 minutes. This convenient method delivers a tasty, crispy, and efficiently prepared meal.

Lasagna in an air fryer: cook time and temperature

Air fryer lasagna is a quick and convenient way to enjoy this classic Italian dish with a modern twist. The cook time and temperature for lasagna in an air fryer can vary depending on the specific recipe and air fryer model, but here is a general guide to help you get started.

Cook Time

The cook time for lasagna in an air fryer can range from 30 minutes to 3 and a half hours. Some recipes recommend cooking the lasagna for about 30 minutes at a higher temperature, while others suggest a slower cook time of around 3 and a half hours at a lower temperature. The longer cook time ensures that the lasagna is cooked evenly throughout, not just on the top.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking lasagna in an air fryer depends on the desired cooking time and the specific recipe. Some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of around 360°F (180°C) for a shorter period, while others recommend a lower temperature of 225°F (107°C) for a longer cook time. It's important to note that the temperature and cook time may need to be adjusted based on your air fryer model and the size of your lasagna.

Tips for Cooking Lasagna in an Air Fryer

• Monitor the lasagna closely as it cooks, as the timing can vary depending on your air fryer model.
• Use foil to cover the lasagna during the second half of the cooking time to prevent excessive browning. You can remove the foil towards the end for a crispy top layer.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after air frying to let the layers set and make it easier to slice and serve.
• For even cooking and to prevent the noodles from sticking, start with a layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish.
• Grease the dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Evenly spread the ingredients in layers to ensure consistent flavor and texture in each bite.
• For quicker cooking, use no-boil lasagna noodles or soak traditional lasagna noodles in water before assembling the lasagna.

Reheating Lasagna in an Air Fryer

Leftover lasagna can be reheated in the air fryer at a lower temperature, such as 325°F (163°C), to prevent the top from burning. Alternatively, you can use a microwave or a conventional oven for reheating.

How to store and reheat lasagna in an air fryer

Storing Lasagna

To store lasagna, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a sealed container or leave it in the original baking dish. It can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for months. However, it is best to consume it as soon as possible, as the longer it is stored, the more the quality will deteriorate.

Reheating Lasagna in an Air Fryer

To reheat lasagna in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 375°F. Place the lasagna in the air fryer basket on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, or in a small baking dish or loaf pan. After 10 minutes, check the internal temperature of the lasagna, and then recheck every five minutes until it reaches 165°F. If you are reheating leftovers, it is best to do so at a lower temperature (around 325°F) to prevent the top layer from burning.

Other Reheating Options

Lasagna can also be reheated in the oven, microwave, or on a stovetop pan. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F and bake the lasagna, covered in foil, for up to 45 minutes for refrigerated portions or 90 minutes for frozen. In the microwave, place the lasagna in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 90 seconds and then in 30-second intervals until heated through. For the stovetop, preheat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and heat individual slices, flipping them until hot all the way through.

Can you cook frozen lasagna in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen lasagna in an air fryer! It's a great way to have a warm, filling meal on the table, even on busy nights. The air fryer is also fantastic for melting the cheese on your lasagna.

Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna

Remove the frozen lasagna from its outer packaging and place it in the air fryer basket or the top shelf of an air fryer oven. Make sure to remove any cling film or plastic covering attached to the lasagna. You can also place the lasagna in its original tray or transfer it to an oven-safe dish that fits inside your air fryer.

Step 2: Defrost the Lasagna (Optional)

It is recommended to defrost the lasagna first, especially if it is thick, to ensure even cooking. Set the air fryer to 100°C/215°F and cook the lasagna for 10 minutes to help defrost it.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna

After defrosting, set the air fryer to 165°C/330°F and cook the lasagna for 26-30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the lasagna, so adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Test and Serve

Use a food thermometer to check if the lasagna has reached an internal temperature of at least 75°C/170°F. If not, cook for a few minutes longer. Once cooked, carefully remove the lasagna from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Some additional tips to consider:

• You can add shredded cheese on top of the lasagna during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for extra cheesiness.
• Covering the lasagna with aluminium foil during cooking can help prevent the cheese from burning.
• If you are using an air fryer oven, cook the lasagna on the top shelf.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and size of the lasagna, so adjust the time accordingly.

Can you make individual lasagnas in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make individual lasagnas in your air fryer! This is a great option if you want to add a personalised touch to your meal. To make individual lasagnas, simply assemble the layers of meat sauce, pasta, and cheese in small, oven-safe dishes or ramekins that fit inside your air fryer. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your individual portions.

For example, it is recommended that you cook the individual lasagnas at 350ºF for 10 minutes covered in foil. Then, remove the foil, turn down the temperature to 280ºF, and air fry for an additional 4 minutes.

How to assemble lasagna in an air fryer

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. The ingredients listed here are for a traditional lasagna, but you can also make vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Mexican-inspired variations.

• Ground Italian sausage
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• No-boil lasagna noodles/sheets
• Fresh basil
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Method

Once you have your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Cook the sausage in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Break it up and cook until there is no pink meat left. Drain any excess fat, then take it off the heat and stir in the marinara sauce. Set aside.
• Make the cheese filling by mixing the ricotta, egg, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
• Spray an 8x8x2.5-inch baking dish or small baking pan with cooking spray.
• Add a thin layer of sauce to the bottom of the baking dish.
• Add a layer of lasagna noodles. You may need to break them up to fit.
• Add a layer of the ricotta mixture and smooth it out over the noodles.
• Tear some basil leaves and add them on top.
• Add a layer of mozzarella on top of the basil.
• Repeat the layers until you have a top layer of noodles, followed by the remaining sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella.
• Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
• Cover the dish with foil and air fry the lasagna for 25-30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and air fry for another 20 minutes at 280 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Let the lasagna stand for about 10 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Frequently asked questions